It was an omen foretold by the Heaven-sent when he left them to
carry the message through the hills to other tribes."
Raymond gave a great start. "The girl!" he said.
For a second Carlyon's eyes met his look. They were intensely blue, with
the blueness of a flame.
"She is safe at Akbar," he said, returning without emotion to the
knotting of the bandage. "The road was open for the messenger. The horse
was swift. There is one woman less to take the risk."
"I see," said Raymond quietly. He was frowning a little, but not at
Carlyon's strategy.
"The rest," Carlyon continued, "must be fought for. The moon is full
to-night. The Great Fakir will come out of the hills in his zeal and
lead the tribes himself. Guard the east!"
Raymond drew a sharp breath. But Carlyon's hand on his shoulder silenced
the astounded question on his lips.
"We have got to protect the women," Carlyon said. "Relief will come at
dawn."
X
SAVED A SECOND TIME
All through the day quiet reigned. An occasional sword-glint in the
mountains, an occasional gleam of white against the brown hillside;
these were the only evidences of an active enemy.
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